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Controls Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Summer 2026 Intern - VA/DC

Reston, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Intern Education: Degree in Progress Job Family: Construction Compensation: Intern Non-Exempt ... controls and reach with hands, talk, and hear. The employee is regularly required to be mobile.

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

MECHANICAL ENGINEER SKILLBRIDGE INTERN (PLANT OPERATIONS Location: Newport News, Virginia, United ... as instruments, controls, robots, engines, machines and mechanical, thermal hydraulic or heat ...

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

MECHANICAL ENGINEER SKILLBRIDGE INTERN (PLANT OPERATIONS Location: Newport News, Virginia, United ... as instruments, controls, robots, engines, machines and mechanical, thermal hydraulic or heat ...

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Controls Intern information

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Controls Intern expect during their internship?

As a Controls Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects that involve supporting the design, programming, and troubleshooting of control systems, such as PLCs and HMIs. Typical responsibilities include assisting with system documentation, helping to develop and test automation software, and participating in commissioning activities under the guidance of senior engineers. You will also collaborate closely with electrical and mechanical teams, gaining hands-on experience in both the technical and project management aspects of controls engineering. This role offers valuable exposure to real-world industrial automation challenges and is an excellent stepping stone for a future career in controls or automation engineering.

What are Controls Interns?

Controls Interns are typically students or recent graduates who assist with designing, testing, and maintaining control systems within industries such as manufacturing, automation, or building management. They work under the supervision of experienced engineers to help develop software and hardware solutions that manage machinery, electrical systems, or HVAC operations. Their responsibilities can include programming controllers, troubleshooting system issues, and supporting project documentation. This internship helps them gain practical experience and foundational knowledge in control engineering and automation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Controls Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Intern, you typically need a background in electrical or mechanical engineering, strong analytical abilities, and coursework in automation or control systems. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and software tools like AutoCAD or MATLAB is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help interns excel in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills ensure accurate project support, successful troubleshooting, and valuable contributions to engineering teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Controls jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Controls jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Controls Intern jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Controls Intern job openings:
Summer 2026 Intern - VA/DC

Summer 2026 Intern - VA/DC

Turner Construction

Reston, VA • On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Temporary, Internship

Posted 14 days ago


Turner Construction rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 78 rated construction


Job description

Division:
Washington DC Main
Project Location(s):
Reston, VA 20190 USA
Minimum Years Experience:
Travel Involved:
Job Type:
Seasonal
Job Classification:
Intern
Education:
Degree in Progress
Job Family:
Construction
Compensation:
Intern Non-Exempt
Position Description:Assist in day-to-day supervised activities related to the development of a construction project to build foundational knowledge in construction management, business and project financial management, project safety protocols, subcontractor relationships, quality control, and project coordination and lifecycle. Where applicable, your assignment will support learning that applies to earning educational credits.
Essential Duties & Key Responsibilities:Depending on business need and location, the Intern/Co-Op will be supervised and assigned to work at an active construction project site, in a department located at a main office working in one of our many construction specialties.
  • Support project team with meeting coordination, material tracking, file management, document control, and progress reporting.
  • Comprehend and follow project site signage and supervisor instructions as directed.
  • Provide progress reports to supervisor and be receptive to learning about construction management.
  • Relate and apply knowledge acquired in the academic setting to work activities.
  • Maintain professional relationships with employees, customers, clients, and subcontractors.
  • Participate in training, meetings, and orientation.
  • Comply with safety protocols, follow safety expectations, and wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protection Equipment).
  • Other activities, duties, and responsibilities as assigned.Based on the assignment, the following activities may be performed (longer-term assignments may gain more in-depth experience and exposure):
    • Assist with project start-up activities and provide support to Project Engineer, Project Superintendent, and/or Project Manager.
    • Assist with collection and review of information and approvals for processing shop drawings, submittals, and Requests for Information (RFIs).
    • Assist with preparation and distribution of information for contract requirements to appropriate parties.
    • Assist with preparation of estimates for changes in work from subcontractors.
    • Attend project site visits to observe and document construction field activities.
    • Assist with preparation of and conduct correspondence and communication as directed to Architects, Engineers, vendors, and subcontractors in connection with performing their assigned trades.
    • Assist with communication to Trades and subcontractors to understand and track job schedules.
    • Assist with monitoring contractor compliance with Turner's safety program, as directed.
    • Assist with preparation of quantity take-offs and studies for project items using either traditional or computer-aided programs, learning and discussing details necessary to complete project.
    • Request and distribute subcontractor proposals relative to their scope of work to assemble proposals for delivery system.
    • Assist with project close out preparations.

Qualifications:
  • Enrolled and actively pursuing college or university accredited degree program or enrolled in a Co-op program, recommended majors include and not limited to Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or other related field of study, and at minimum 1 year of completed education, and/or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  • Must be 18 years of age, to work at a construction project site
  • Desire to work in construction management and to learn about construction industry
  • Commitment to work standard business hours and overtime as determined by assignment
  • Demonstrate interpersonal skills including student leadership, volunteerism, or other community involvement
  • Professional and clear verbal and written communication skills, in English language required
  • Ability to read and comprehend written information
  • Assume personal and professional accountability for own actions and activities
  • Proactive, curious, and eager to learn and participate
  • Able to work independently, with direction and supervision, and in team environment
  • Exceptional organizational skills with attention to detail

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands, talk, and hear. The employee is regularly required to be mobile. Performance of the required duties may require physical ability to climb permanent and temporary stairs, passenger use of construction personnel hoists, ability to climb ladders, and negotiate work areas under construction. The employee frequently views a computer monitor and frequently uses a computer keyboard. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may occasionally travel both short and long distances via a variety of conveyances and may perform work at on-site construction work sites and/or office locations. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may regularly work in an office setting. The noise in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate in an office setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally work at construction work site where the employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, fumes, or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, and risk of electrical shock. The noise in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The employee is required to work in compliance with company safety policies, procedures, and applicable laws.
Turner is an Equal Opportunity Employer - race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

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About Turner Construction

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Turner Construction, headquartered in New York, NY, US, is a recognized leader in the construction industry. It was established in 1902 and has since curved its niche as one of the most reputable construction firms. Turner Construction provides a broad range of services like general contracting, construction management, design-build, and consulting. Devoted to environment-friendly building practices, it is considered a pioneer in green building and sustainability efforts. Their top-tier projects include Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium, and the United Nations Secretariat Building in New York City. The company's mission is to deliver an exceptional product by relentless commitment to their core principles – teamwork, integrity, commitment, and community.

Industry

Construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1902